Well, Page, I do wish the Devil had old Cooke, for I am sure I never was so tired of an old dull scoundrel in my life ... But the old-fellows say we must read to gain knowledge; and gain knowledge to make us happy and be admired. Mere jargon! Is there any such thing as happiness in this world? No.
Interpretation
This quote expresses skepticism about the pursuit of knowledge and its connection to happiness.
Thomas Jefferson reflects on the value of reading and education, questioning whether knowledge truly leads to happiness or admiration. He expresses frustration with the idea that one must pursue knowledge for contentment, implying that happiness may be elusive regardless of one's educational pursuits.
In practice
In a discussion about the benefits of higher education, this quote can illustrate a counterpoint regarding the pursuit of happiness.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
We must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God's providence to lead him aright.
What terrified me will terrify others; and I need only describe the spectre which had haunted my midnight pillow.
Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.
Traditional charity and aid are never going to solve the problems of poverty.
If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.
The state is nothing but an instrument of opression of one class by another - no less so in a democratic republic than in a monarchy.
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